When we see bodybuilding competitors online we usually only see the trophies, the smiles, the shredded physiques, and their post-show cheat meals. As you may have seen in the thumbnail of this post, I was feeling on top of the world as my months of hardships had finally paid off and I’d just won my very first bodybuilding show and earned my natural pro card. I received a lot of compliments and praise from family, friends, and acquaintances at the gym, but there was a remark that stood out to me as it was the one that was said to me the most often. It typically went as follows; “ Wow, that is awesome! How was the diet? I bet it was really strict.” The number of times I had heard this caused me to realize that the common conception of a bodybuilding prep is that it’s only a matter of intense dieting and training.
I can confidently say that those two things are only scratching the surface of the difficulties faced when embarking on a full prep. With the sport reaching new levels of mainstream popularity, you must be informed on the challenges that most bodybuilders face yet so very few decide to share online.
Crashed Hormones Suck.
Most who aspire to compete are still natural and likely intend on keeping it that way. Due to the lack of exogenous hormones maintaining healthy testosterone levels in the body, naturals will begin experiencing symptoms of low testosterone from the lack of nutrients entering their body during the strict diet.
Symptoms to expect include: constant fatigue, mood swings, poor focus, and the worst of all… lack of libido. That last symptom brings us to our next struggle.
Relationship Strains
With the lack of libido, romantic relationships may begin to enter some shaky territory as intimacy can begin to feel like a chore. Even platonic and familial relationships may begin to suffer as we can become a bit snappy due to the temporary hormonal imbalance.
I would advise any competitor to let all their loved ones know before starting prep, of the commitment they plan on taking upon themselves and forewarn them of any behavioral changes that may spring about soon.
They may not be entirely understanding of the idea of severe dieting for the means of oiling yourself up and posing on stage in a thong, but they will surely commend and appreciate the fact you are chasing a goal that requires supreme discipline.
Get That Savings Account Ready
Bodybuilding is an extremely expensive sport and if you plan on getting in those posing trunks you better be ready to drop a minimum of $2000-$3000 just to show up and compete on show day.
Expenses will include:
- Spray tan service
- Posing Trunks/Bikini/Makeup
- Hotel Room
- Travel Costs
- Coaching fees
- Membership for the federation you wish to compete under (NPC, INBA, WNBF, etc.)
- Registration for any classes you are competing in (Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, etc.)
- Groceries
The Post-Show Period
For months you had a clear set finish line that you were working towards day in and day out, but now the show day has passed and you may be left feeling aimless. On top of that, the physique you have worked so hard to chisel away at and bring to peak condition is now slowly fading away until your next competitive season as you slowly begin eating normal and healthy amounts of food again. This can lead to athletes suffering from body image issues on top of their lack of direction or goals in the gym.
Luckily for us, or maybe not for us all, a good coach can alleviate most of these issues. Communicate with your coach to develop a concise post-show plan and have a new goal set in your sights to avoid losing that passion in the gym. Ultimately, understand that no one can stay in stage condition year round nor is it healthy. Shift gears into focusing on your performance in the gym rather than your physical appearance as you move into your offseason.
With all that being said…
It may seem like I’m trying to turn bodybuilding enthusiasts away from getting on stage, but it’s better you know what you’re getting into than to start and realize the sport isn’t for you halfway through a prep.
Bodybuilding is an extremely rewarding sport not only monetarily, but mentally. You will discover aspects of yourself that you have never encountered as you push through intense hunger and fatigue. On the other side you will have demonstrated a level of grit you may have not known you possessed and the discipline gained will carry over into any venture you apply it towards in the future.
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